This manuscript presents information for all supernovae discovered by the All-Sky Automated Survey for SuperNovae (ASAS-SN) during 2015, its second full year of operations. The same information is presented for bright (m(V) <= 17), spectroscopically confirmed supernovae discovered by other sources in 2015. As with the first ASAS-SN bright supernova catalogue, we also present redshifts and near-ultraviolet through infrared magnitudes for all supernova host galaxies in both samples. Combined... Show moreThis manuscript presents information for all supernovae discovered by the All-Sky Automated Survey for SuperNovae (ASAS-SN) during 2015, its second full year of operations. The same information is presented for bright (m(V) <= 17), spectroscopically confirmed supernovae discovered by other sources in 2015. As with the first ASAS-SN bright supernova catalogue, we also present redshifts and near-ultraviolet through infrared magnitudes for all supernova host galaxies in both samples. Combined with our previous catalogue, this work comprises a complete catalogue of 455 supernovae from multiple professional and amateur sources, allowing for population studies that were previously impossible. This is the second of a series of yearly papers on bright supernovae and their hosts from the ASAS-SN team. Show less

We present galaxy velocity dispersions and dynamical mass estimates for 44 galaxy clusters selected via the Sunyaev-Zel'dovich (SZ) effect by the Atacama Cosmology Telescope. Dynamical masses for 18 clusters are reported here for the first time. Using N-body simulations, we model the different observing strategies used to measure the velocity dispersions and account for systematic effects resulting from these strategies. We find that the galaxy velocity distributions may be treated as... Show moreWe present galaxy velocity dispersions and dynamical mass estimates for 44 galaxy clusters selected via the Sunyaev-Zel'dovich (SZ) effect by the Atacama Cosmology Telescope. Dynamical masses for 18 clusters are reported here for the first time. Using N-body simulations, we model the different observing strategies used to measure the velocity dispersions and account for systematic effects resulting from these strategies. We find that the galaxy velocity distributions may be treated as isotropic, and that an aperture correction of up to 7 per cent in the velocity dispersion is required if the spectroscopic galaxy sample is sufficiently concentrated towards the cluster centre. Accounting for the radial profile of the velocity dispersion in simulations enables consistent dynamical mass estimates regardless of the observing strategy. Cluster masses M200 are in the range (1-15) x 10(14)M(circle dot). Comparing with masses estimated from the SZ distortion assuming a gas pressure profile derived from X-ray observations gives a mean SZ-to-dynamical mass ratio of 1.10 +/- 0.13, but there is an additional 0.14 systematic uncertainty due to the unknown velocity bias; the statistical uncertainty is dominated by the scatter in the mass-velocity dispersion scaling relation. This ratio is consistent with previous determinations at these mass scales. Show less

We study the conditions required to produce self-sustained detonations in turbulent, carbon-oxygen degenerate plasma at low densities. We perform a series of three-dimensional hydrodynamic simulations of turbulence driven with various degrees of compressibility. The average conditions in the simulations are representative of models of merging binary white dwarfs. We find that material with very short ignition times is abundant in case turbulence is driven compressively. This material forms... Show moreWe study the conditions required to produce self-sustained detonations in turbulent, carbon-oxygen degenerate plasma at low densities. We perform a series of three-dimensional hydrodynamic simulations of turbulence driven with various degrees of compressibility. The average conditions in the simulations are representative of models of merging binary white dwarfs. We find that material with very short ignition times is abundant in case turbulence is driven compressively. This material forms contiguous structures that persist overmany ignition times, and that we identify as prospective detonation kernels. Detailed analysis of prospective kernels reveals that these objects are centrally condensed and their shape is characterized by low curvature, supportive of self-sustained detonations. The key characteristic of the newly proposed detonation mechanism is thus high degree of compressibility of turbulent drive. The simulated detonation kernels have sizes notably smaller than the spatial resolution of any white dwarf merger simulation performed to date. The resolution required to resolve kernels is 0.1 km. Our results indicate a high probability of detonations in such well-resolved simulations of carbon-oxygen white dwarf mergers. These simulations will likely produce detonations in systems of lower total mass, thus broadening the population of white dwarf binaries capable of producing Type Ia supernovae. Consequently, we expect a downward revision of the lower limit of the total merger mass that is capable of producing a prompt detonation. We review application of the new detonation mechanism to various explosion scenarios of single, Chandrasekhar-mass white dwarfs. Show less

Date Issued

2017-06

Identifier

FSU_libsubv1_wos_000399429600007, 10.1093/mnras/stx524

Format

Citation

Title

Evidence for the thermal Sunyaev-Zel'dovich effect associated with quasar feedback.

Using a radio-quiet subsample of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey spectroscopic quasar catalogue, spanning redshifts 0.5-3.5, we derive the mean millimetre and far-infrared quasar spectral energy distributions (SEDs) via a stacking analysis of Atacama Cosmology Telescope and Herschel-Spectral and Photometric Imaging REceiver data. We constrain the form of the far-infrared emission and find 3 sigma-4 sigma evidence for the thermal Sunyaev-Zel'dovich (SZ) effect, characteristic of a hot ionized gas... Show moreUsing a radio-quiet subsample of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey spectroscopic quasar catalogue, spanning redshifts 0.5-3.5, we derive the mean millimetre and far-infrared quasar spectral energy distributions (SEDs) via a stacking analysis of Atacama Cosmology Telescope and Herschel-Spectral and Photometric Imaging REceiver data. We constrain the form of the far-infrared emission and find 3 sigma-4 sigma evidence for the thermal Sunyaev-Zel'dovich (SZ) effect, characteristic of a hot ionized gas component with thermal energy (6.2 +/- 1.7) x 10(60) erg. This amount of thermal energy is greater than expected assuming only hot gas in virial equilibrium with the dark matter haloes of (1-5) x 10(12) h(-1) M-circle dot that these systems are expected to occupy, though the highest quasar mass estimates found in the literature could explain a large fraction of this energy. Our measurements are consistent with quasars depositing up to (14.5 +/- 3.3) per cent of their radiative energy into their circumgalactic environment if their typical period of quasar activity is tau(8) x 10(8) yr. For high quasar host masses, similar to 10(13) h(-1) M-circle dot this percentage will be reduced. Furthermore, the uncertainty on this percentage is only statistical and additional systematic uncertainties enter at the 40 per cent level. The SEDs are dust dominated in all bands and we consider various models for dust emission. While sufficiently complex dust models can obviate the SZ effect, the SZ interpretation remains favoured at the 3 sigma-4 sigma level for most models. Show less

Date Issued

2016-05-11

Identifier

FSU_libsubv1_wos_000374569600027, 10.1093/mnras/stw344

Format

Citation

Title

Lensed Type Ia Supernovae as Probes of Cluster Mass Models.

Creator

Nordin, J., Rubin, David, Richard, J., Aldering, G.

Abstract/Description

Using three magnified Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) detected behind CLASH (Cluster Lensing and Supernovae with Hubble) clusters, we perform a first pilot study to see whether standardizable candles can be used to calibrate cluster mass maps created from strong lensing observations. Such calibrations will be crucial when next-generation Hubble Space Telescope cluster surveys (e.g. Frontier) provide magnification maps that will, in turn, form the basis for the exploration of the high-redshift... Show moreUsing three magnified Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) detected behind CLASH (Cluster Lensing and Supernovae with Hubble) clusters, we perform a first pilot study to see whether standardizable candles can be used to calibrate cluster mass maps created from strong lensing observations. Such calibrations will be crucial when next-generation Hubble Space Telescope cluster surveys (e.g. Frontier) provide magnification maps that will, in turn, form the basis for the exploration of the high-redshift Universe. We classify SNe using combined photometric and spectroscopic observations, finding two of the three to be clearly of Type Ia and the third probable. The SNe exhibit significant amplification, up to a factor of 1.7 at ∼5 σ significance (SN-L2). We conducted this as a blind study to avoid fine-tuning of parameters, finding a mean amplification difference between SNe and the cluster lensing models of 0.09 ± 0.09 stat ± 0.05 sys mag. This impressive agreement suggests no tension between cluster mass models and high-redshift-standardized SNe Ia. However, the measured statistical disper- sion of σ μ = 0.21 mag appeared large compared to the dispersion expected based on statistical uncertainties (0.14). Further work with the SN and cluster lensing models, post-unblinding, reduced the measured dispersion to σ μ = 0.12. An explicit choice should thus be made as to whether SNe are used unblinded to improve the model, or blinded to test the model. As the lensed SN samples grow larger, this technique will allow improved constraints on assumptions regarding e.g. the structure of the dark matter halo. Show less

The nearby cloud L1642 is one of only two known very high latitude (b| > 30 deg) clouds actively forming stars. It is a rare example of star formation in isolated conditions, and can reveal important details of star formation in general, e.g. of the effect of magnetic fields. We compareHerschel dust emission structures and magnetic field orientation revealed byPlanck polarization maps in L1642. The high-resolution (similar to 20 arcsec)Herschel data reveal a complex structure including a... Show moreThe nearby cloud L1642 is one of only two known very high latitude (b| > 30 deg) clouds actively forming stars. It is a rare example of star formation in isolated conditions, and can reveal important details of star formation in general, e.g. of the effect of magnetic fields. We compareHerschel dust emission structures and magnetic field orientation revealed byPlanck polarization maps in L1642. The high-resolution (similar to 20 arcsec)Herschel data reveal a complex structure including a dense, compressed central clump, and low-density striations. ThePlanck polarization data (at 10 arcmin resolution) reveal an ordered magnetic field pervading the cloud and aligned with the surrounding striations. There is a complex interplay between the cloud structure and large-scale magnetic field. This suggests that the magnetic field is closely linked to the formation and evolution of the cloud. CO rotational emission confirms that the striations are connected with the main clumps and likely to contain material either falling into or flowing out of the clumps. There is a clear transition from aligned to perpendicular structures approximately at a column density ofN(H) = 1.6 x 10(21) cm(-2). Comparing theHerschel maps with thePlanck polarization maps shows the close connection between the magnetic field and cloud structure even in the finest details of the cloud. Show less

The nebular-epoch spectrum of the rapidly declining, 'transitional' Type Ia supernova (SN) 2007on showed double emission peaks, which have been interpreted as indicating that the SN was the result of the direct collision of two white dwarfs. The spectrum can be reproduced using two distinct emission components, one redshifted and one blueshifted. These components are similar in mass but have slightly different degrees of ionization. They recede from one another at a line-of-sight speed larger... Show moreThe nebular-epoch spectrum of the rapidly declining, 'transitional' Type Ia supernova (SN) 2007on showed double emission peaks, which have been interpreted as indicating that the SN was the result of the direct collision of two white dwarfs. The spectrum can be reproduced using two distinct emission components, one redshifted and one blueshifted. These components are similar in mass but have slightly different degrees of ionization. They recede from one another at a line-of-sight speed larger than the sum of the combined expansion velocities of their emitting cores, thereby acting as two independent nebulae. While this configuration appears to be consistent with the scenario of two white dwarfs colliding, it may also indicate an off-centre delayed detonation explosion of a near-Chandrasekhar-mass white dwarf. In either case, broad emission line widths and a rapidly evolving light curve can be expected for the bolometric luminosity of the SN. This is the case for both SNe 2007on and 2011iv, also a transitional SN Ia that exploded in the same elliptical galaxy, NGC1404. Although SN 2011iv does not show double-peaked emission line profiles, the width of its emission lines is such that a two-component model yields somewhat better results than a single-component model. Most of the mass ejected is in one component, however, which suggests that SN 2011iv was the result of the off-centre ignition of a Chandrasekhar-mass white dwarf. Show less

We study the violent phase of the merger of massive binary white dwarf systems. Our aim is to characterize the conditions for explosive burning to occur, and identify a possible explosion mechanism of Type Ia supernovae. The primary components of our model systems are carbon-oxygen (C/O) white dwarfs, while the secondaries are made either of C/O or of pure helium. We account for tidal effects in the initial conditions in a self-consistent way, and consider initially well-separated systems... Show moreWe study the violent phase of the merger of massive binary white dwarf systems. Our aim is to characterize the conditions for explosive burning to occur, and identify a possible explosion mechanism of Type Ia supernovae. The primary components of our model systems are carbon-oxygen (C/O) white dwarfs, while the secondaries are made either of C/O or of pure helium. We account for tidal effects in the initial conditions in a self-consistent way, and consider initially well-separated systems with slow inspiral rates. We study the merger evolution using an adaptive mesh refinement, reactive, Eulerian code in three dimensions, assuming symmetry across the orbital plane. We use a corotating reference frame to minimize the effects of numerical diffusion, and solve for self-gravity using a multigrid approach. We find a novel detonation mechanism in C/O mergers with massive primaries. Here, the detonation occurs in the primary's core and relies on the combined action of tidal heating, accretion heating, and self-heating due to nuclear burning. The exploding structure is compositionally stratified, with a reverse shock formed at the surface of the dense ejecta. The existence of such a shock has not been reported elsewhere. The explosion energy (1.6 x 10(51) erg) and Ni-56 mass (0.86 M-circle dot) are consistent with an SN Ia at the bright end of the luminosity distribution, with an approximated decline rate of Delta m(15)(B) approximate to 0.99. Our study does not support double-detonation scenarios in the case of a system with a 0.6 M-circle dot helium secondary and a 0.9 M-circle dot primary. Although the accreted helium detonates, it fails to ignite carbon at the base of the boundary layer or in the primary's core. Show less

We present a study of observed Type II supernova (SN II) colours using optical/near-infrared photometric data from the Carnegie Supernovae Project-I. We analyse four colours (B - V, u - g, g - r, and g - Y) and find that SN II colour curves can be described by two linear regimes during the photospheric phase. The first (s1, colour) is steeper and has a median duration of similar to 40 d. The second, shallower slope (s2, colour) lasts until the end of the 'plateau' (similar to 80 d). The two... Show moreWe present a study of observed Type II supernova (SN II) colours using optical/near-infrared photometric data from the Carnegie Supernovae Project-I. We analyse four colours (B - V, u - g, g - r, and g - Y) and find that SN II colour curves can be described by two linear regimes during the photospheric phase. The first (s1, colour) is steeper and has a median duration of similar to 40 d. The second, shallower slope (s2, colour) lasts until the end of the 'plateau' (similar to 80 d). The two slopes correlate in the sense that steeper initial colour curves also imply steeper colour curves at later phases. As suggested by recent studies, SNe II form a continuous population of objects from the colour point of view as well. We investigate correlations between the observed colours and a range of photometric and spectroscopic parameters including the absolute magnitude, the V-band light-curve slopes, and metal-line strengths. We find that less luminous SNe II appear redder, a trend that we argue is not driven by uncorrected host-galaxy reddening. While there is significant dispersion, we find evidence that redder SNe II (mainly at early epochs) display stronger metal-line equivalent widths. Host-galaxy reddening does not appear to be a dominant parameter, neither driving observed trends nor dominating the dispersion in observed colours. Intrinsic SN II colours are most probably dominated by photospheric temperature differences, with progenitor metallicity possibly playing a minor role. Such temperature differences could be related to differences in progenitor radius, together with the presence or absence of circumstellar material close to the progenitor stars. Show less

Date Issued

2018-06-01

Identifier

FSU_libsubv1_wos_000432659800023, 10.1093/mnras/sty508

Format

Citation

Title

On The Type Ia Supernovae 2007on And 2011iv: Evidence For Chandrasekhar-mass Explosions At The Faint End Of The Luminosity-width Relationship.

Radiative transfer models of two transitional type Ia supernova (SNe Ia) have been produced using the abundance stratification technique. These two objects - designated SN 2007on and SN 2011iv - both exploded in the same galaxy, NGC 1404, which allows for a direct comparison. SN 2007on synthesised 0.25 M-circle dot of Ni-56 and was less luminous than SN 2011iv, which produced 0.31 M-circle dot of Ni-56. SN 2007on had a lower central density (rho(c)) and higher explosion energy (E-kin similar... Show moreRadiative transfer models of two transitional type Ia supernova (SNe Ia) have been produced using the abundance stratification technique. These two objects - designated SN 2007on and SN 2011iv - both exploded in the same galaxy, NGC 1404, which allows for a direct comparison. SN 2007on synthesised 0.25 M-circle dot of Ni-56 and was less luminous than SN 2011iv, which produced 0.31 M-circle dot of Ni-56. SN 2007on had a lower central density (rho(c)) and higher explosion energy (E-kin similar to 1.3 +/- 0.3x10(51)erg) than SN 2011iv, and it produced less nuclear statistical equilibrium (NSE) elements (0.06 M-circle dot). Whereas, SN 2011iv had a larger rho(c), which increased the electron capture rate in the lowest velocity regions, and produced 0.35 M-circle dot of stable NSE elements. SN 2011iv had an explosion energy of similar to E-kin similar to 0.9 +/- 0.2x10(51)erg. Both objects had an ejecta mass consistent with the Chandrasekhar mass (Ch-mass), and their observational properties are well described by predictions from delayed-detonation explosion models. Within this framework, comparison to the sub-luminous SN 1986G indicates SN 2011iv and SN 1986G have different transition densities (rho(tr)) but similar rho(c). Whereas, SN 1986G and SN 2007on had a similar rho(tr) but different rho(c). Finally, we examine the colour-stretch parameter sBV vs. L-max relation and determine that the bulk of SNe Ia (including the sub-luminous ones) are consistent with Ch-mass delayed-detonation explosions, where the main parameter driving the diversity is rho(tr). We also find rho(c) to be driving the second order scatter observed at the faint end of the luminosity-width relationship. Show less

Date Issued

2018-06-01

Identifier

FSU_libsubv1_wos_000432660300012, 10.1093/mnras/sty632

Format

Citation

Title

Optical And Near-infrared Observations Of Sn 2014ck: An Outlier Among The Type Iax Supernovae.

We present a comprehensive set of optical and near-infrared (NIR) photometric and spectroscopic observations for SN 2014ck, extending from pre-maximum to six months later. These data indicate that SN 2014ck is photometrically nearly identical to SN 2002cx, which is the prototype of the class of peculiar transients named SNe Iax. Similar to SN 2002cx, SN 2014ck reached a peak brightness M-B = -17.37 +/- 0.15 mag, with a post-maximum decline rate Delta m(15)(B) = 1.76 +/- 0.15 mag. However, the... Show moreWe present a comprehensive set of optical and near-infrared (NIR) photometric and spectroscopic observations for SN 2014ck, extending from pre-maximum to six months later. These data indicate that SN 2014ck is photometrically nearly identical to SN 2002cx, which is the prototype of the class of peculiar transients named SNe Iax. Similar to SN 2002cx, SN 2014ck reached a peak brightness M-B = -17.37 +/- 0.15 mag, with a post-maximum decline rate Delta m(15)(B) = 1.76 +/- 0.15 mag. However, the spectroscopic sequence shows similarities with SN 2008ha, which was three magnitudes fainter and faster declining. In particular, SN 2014ck exhibits extremely low ejecta velocities, similar to 3000 km s(-1) at maximum, which are close to the value measured for SN 2008ha and half the value inferred for SN 2002cx. The bolometric light curve of SN 2014ck is consistent with the production of 0.10(-0.03)(+0.04) M-circle dot of Ni-56. The spectral identification of several iron-peak features, in particular Co II lines in the NIR, provides a clear link to SNe Ia. Also, the detection of narrow Si, S and C features in the pre-maximum spectra suggests a thermonuclear explosion mechanism. The late-phase spectra show a complex overlap of both permitted and forbidden Fe, Ca and Co lines. The appearance of strong [Ca II] lambda lambda 7292, 7324 again mirrors the late-time spectra of SN 2008ha and SN 2002cx. The photometric resemblance to SN 2002cx and the spectral similarities to SN 2008ha highlight the peculiarity of SN 2014ck, and the complexity and heterogeneity of the SNe Iax class. Show less

Date Issued

2016-06-11

Identifier

FSU_libsubv1_wos_000376386600076, 10.1093/mnras/stw696

Format

Citation

Title

Preconditioner-free Wiener Filtering With A Dense Noise Matrix.

Creator

Huffenberger, Kevin M.

Abstract/Description

This work extends the Elsner & Wandelt (2013) iterative method for efficient, preconditioner-free Wiener filtering to cases in which the noise covariance matrix is dense, but can be decomposed into a sum whose parts are sparse in convenient bases. The new method, which uses multiple messenger fields, reproduces Wiener-filter solutions for test problems, and we apply it to a case beyond the reach of the Elsner & Wandelt (2013) method. We compute the Wiener-filter solution for a simulated... Show moreThis work extends the Elsner & Wandelt (2013) iterative method for efficient, preconditioner-free Wiener filtering to cases in which the noise covariance matrix is dense, but can be decomposed into a sum whose parts are sparse in convenient bases. The new method, which uses multiple messenger fields, reproduces Wiener-filter solutions for test problems, and we apply it to a case beyond the reach of the Elsner & Wandelt (2013) method. We compute the Wiener-filter solution for a simulated Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) map that contains spatially varying, uncorrelated noise, isotropic 1/f noise, and large-scale horizontal stripes (like those caused by atmospheric noise). We discuss simple extensions that can filter contaminated modes or inverse-noise-filter the data. These techniques help to address complications in the noise properties of maps from current and future generations of ground-based Microwave Background experiments, like Advanced ACTPol, Simons Observatory, and CMB-S4. Show less

Date Issued

2018-05-01

Identifier

FSU_libsubv1_wos_000430944100042, 10.1093/mnras/sty232

Format

Citation

Title

Sn 2016coi/asassn-16fp: An Example Of Residual Helium In A Type Ic Supernova?.

The optical observations of Ic-4 supernova (SN) 2016coi/ASASSN-16fp, from similar to 2 to similar to 450 d after explosion, are presented along with analysis of its physical properties. The SN shows the broad lines associated with SNe Ic-3/4 but with a key difference. The early spectra display a strong absorption feature at similar to 5400 angstrom which is not seen in other SNe Ic-3/4 at this epoch. This feature has been attributed to He I in the literature. Spectral modelling of the SN in... Show moreThe optical observations of Ic-4 supernova (SN) 2016coi/ASASSN-16fp, from similar to 2 to similar to 450 d after explosion, are presented along with analysis of its physical properties. The SN shows the broad lines associated with SNe Ic-3/4 but with a key difference. The early spectra display a strong absorption feature at similar to 5400 angstrom which is not seen in other SNe Ic-3/4 at this epoch. This feature has been attributed to He I in the literature. Spectral modelling of the SN in the early photospheric phase suggests the presence of residual He in a C/O dominated shell. However, the behaviour of the He I lines is unusual when compared with He-rich SNe, showing relatively low velocities and weakening rather than strengthening over time. The SN is found to rise to peak similar to 16 d after core-collapse reaching a bolometric luminosity of L-p similar to 3 x 10(42) erg s(-1). Spectral models, including the nebular epoch, show that the SN ejected 2.5-4M(circle dot) of material, with similar to 1.5M(circle dot) below 5000 km s(-1), and with a kinetic energy of (4.5-7) x 10(51) erg. The explosion synthesized similar to 0.14M(circle dot) of Ni-56. There are significant uncertainties in E(B - V)(host) and the distance, however, which will affect L-p and M-Ni. SN 2016coi exploded in a host similar to the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) and away from star-forming regions. The properties of the SN and the host-galaxy suggest that the progenitor had M-ZAMS of 23-28M(circle dot) and was stripped almost entirely down to its C/O core at explosion. Show less

We present six epochs of spectropolarimetric observations and one epoch of spectroscopy of the Type Ib SN iPTF 13bvn. The epochs of these observations correspond to -10 to +61 d with respect to the r-band light-curve maximum. The continuum is intrinsically polarized to the 0.2-0.4 per cent level throughout the observations, implying asphericities of similar to 10 per cent in the shape of the photosphere. We observe significant line polarization associated with the spectral features of Ca II... Show moreWe present six epochs of spectropolarimetric observations and one epoch of spectroscopy of the Type Ib SN iPTF 13bvn. The epochs of these observations correspond to -10 to +61 d with respect to the r-band light-curve maximum. The continuum is intrinsically polarized to the 0.2-0.4 per cent level throughout the observations, implying asphericities of similar to 10 per cent in the shape of the photosphere. We observe significant line polarization associated with the spectral features of Ca II IR3, He I/Na I D, He I lambda lambda 6678, 7065, Fe II lambda 4924 and O I lambda 7774. We propose that an absorption feature at similar to 6200 angstrom, usually identified as Si II lambda 6355, is most likely to be high-velocity H alpha at -16 400 km s(-1). Two distinctly polarized components, separated in velocity, are detected for both He I/Na I D and Ca II IR3, indicating the presence of two discrete line-forming regions in the ejecta in both radial velocity space and in the plane of the sky. We use the polarization of He I lambda 5876 as a tracer of sources of non-thermal excitation in the ejecta; finding that the bulk of the radioactive nickel was constrained to lie interior to similar to 50-65 per cent of the ejecta radius. The observed polarization is also discussed in the context of the possible progenitor system of iPTF 13bvn, with our observations favouring the explosion of a star with an extended, distorted envelope rather than a compact Wolf-Rayet star. Show less

We present optical spectroscopy and spectropolarimetry of the Type IIb SN 2008aq 16-d and 27-d post-explosion. The spectrum of SN 2008aq remained dominated by Ha P Cygni profile at both epochs, but showed a significant increase in the strength of the helium features, which is characteristic of the transition undergone by supernovae between Type IIb and Type Ib. Comparison of the spectra of SN 2008aq to other Type IIb SNe (SN 1993J, SN 2011dh, and SN 2008ax) at similar epochs revealed that the... Show moreWe present optical spectroscopy and spectropolarimetry of the Type IIb SN 2008aq 16-d and 27-d post-explosion. The spectrum of SN 2008aq remained dominated by Ha P Cygni profile at both epochs, but showed a significant increase in the strength of the helium features, which is characteristic of the transition undergone by supernovae between Type IIb and Type Ib. Comparison of the spectra of SN 2008aq to other Type IIb SNe (SN 1993J, SN 2011dh, and SN 2008ax) at similar epochs revealed that the helium lines in SN 2008aq are much weaker, suggesting that its progenitor was stripped to a lesser degree. SN 2008aq also showed significant levels of continuum polarization at p(cont) = 0.70 (+/- 0.22) per cent in the first epoch, increasing to p(cont) = 1.21 (+/- 0.33) per cent by the second epoch. Moreover, the presence of loops in the q-u planes of Ha and He I in the second epoch suggests a departure from axial symmetry. Show less